Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (optional)
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or damaged berries.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and optional ingredients like orange zest, fresh orange juice, cinnamon stick, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. As the cranberries heat up, you'll start to hear them pop.
- Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally as the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. You'll notice the sauce thickening and turning glossy.
- Taste the cranberry sauce and adjust the sweetness to your liking. You can add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter or a bit of fresh orange juice for a touch of tartness.
- Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency and sweetness, remove it from the heat. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature in the saucepan. It will continue to thicken as it cools. If you've used optional ingredients like the cinnamon stick, you can remove them before serving.
- Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish. It's now ready to be served as a delicious and tangy accompaniment to your holiday turkey, chicken, or other dishes.